Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Ghana international Tariq Lamptey on a free transfer, with the experienced full-back returning to English football ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Championship side moved quickly to secure the services of the 25-year-old after his contract with Fiorentina was terminated by mutual consent earlier this year, ending a frustrating stint in Serie A.
Lamptey’s time in Florence proved to be one to forget. After arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion on a three-year contract last summer, the defender struggled to establish himself due to persistent injury problems, managing just 25 minutes of competitive action before his exit in May.
Despite that setback, the former Chelsea academy graduate remained a sought-after player during the summer transfer window. Several clubs expressed interest, but QPR ultimately won the race for his signature as they continue strengthening their squad for a campaign in which they hope to challenge near the top of the Championship.
The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Lamptey, who was born in Hillingdon and developed through Chelsea’s renowned youth system. He made his Premier League debut for the Blues against Arsenal in 2019 before completing a switch to Brighton in January 2020.
Tariq Lamptey 🤝 First Interview pic.twitter.com/7ppK9QQAWQ
— QPR FC (@QPR) July 21, 2026
At Brighton, the pacey right-back rebuilt his career and established himself as one of the league’s most exciting attacking full-backs, making over 120 appearances across all competitions before embarking on his ill-fated move to Italy.
On the international stage, Lamptey switched allegiance to Ghana and has since earned 11 senior caps, including appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Now back in England, the Black Stars defender will be eager to put an injury-hit chapter behind him and reignite the career that once made him one of the country’s brightest defensive talents, while helping QPR mount a strong push in the Championship.
